LG dials up YouTube-enabled handsets

Jumps on Google bandwagon

Common Topics

Electronics giant LG and search giant Google have announced a deal that will see "YouTube-enabled" LG mobile handsets hit the markets by the end of the year.

"This new service will connect people like never before," said Dr Skott Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company in a statement. "For the first time, LG customers will be able to film, upload and view videos on YouTube using their mobile phone just as they would be able to from their home computer.

"With this agreement, LG is continuing to drive forward wireless internet services as well as consolidate its technology leadership in the mobile industry."

YouTube co-founder Steve Chen said of the deal: "We're excited to be partnering with LG to give people the opportunity to enjoy YouTube for watching and sharing interesting moments wherever they are and whenever they want."

LG already has an agreement to pre-install Google's services, including Google search, Google maps, and Gmail, on its handsets since March of 2007. The LG deal is also the second co-operation between Google-owned YouTube and a mobile manufacturer - owners of the Apple's newly-launched iPhone can also use the video-sharing website.